privilege, support, and transparency.
As I sit down to reflect on my journey from a classical pianist to a musician photographer, I can't help but acknowledge the immense courage it took to embark on this new path and try something new. Transitioning from one passion to another is never easy, especially when you’ve spent nearly 20 years doing only one thing. Yet, amidst the challenges and uncertainties, I recognised and learned the profound lesson about privilege, support, and the importance of transparency.
In today's age of advanced technology, there's a prevailing belief among young photographers that success hinges on owning the latest and greatest gear. I, too, fell into this trap initially, convinced that the key to success lay in expensive equipment, fancy studios and access to the best locations. And while we can all take a second to acknowledge that some basic equipment needs to exist in order to produce professional results, it is all too easy to cross over into believing that only the best and the newest out there will do it. However, I soon realized that true success is not measured by the tools we possess but by the passion, dedication, and creativity we bring to our craft. I KNOW, nobody has ever told you this before…sigh. But I swear, these words hit different when you've experienced it yourself. I cannot tell you the amount of times my shiny, fancy, perfect idea translated into a reality that was held together by paper glue, sellotape and a hinge. All the same, done is better than perfect and my results were always sweet to me, because I was always just so proud to have produced something and to have given myself the permission to live the creative life I always wanted to live.
One of the most humbling aspects of my journey has been the realization of my privilege—not in monetary terms, but in the unwavering support of those around me. While I wasn’t financially rich in the traditional sense, I was blessed with a network of friends and family who believed in my vision and were willing to lend a helping hand. But most importantly, I was simply dying to do this.
The pivotal moment came when I mustered the courage to ask for assistance. I reached out to a select group of friends, fellow musicians who had witnessed my journey as a photographer. With a limited budget but a huge wish and passion, I pitched them the idea of supporting me in purchasing my first proper camera. I got creative, told them they can support me with as little as 35€ and I would take their portraits. The response was overwhelming. Despite my initial hesitation, they rallied behind me, offering not just financial contributions but also words of encouragement and solidarity. To my surprise, some of them decided to be more generous than I was asking them, and here comes in the second lesson I learned - people love to feel needed. More importantly, they love to help those they believe in.
It was a heartwarming experience—one that taught me the power of community and the importance of asking for help when needed. In accepting their support, I confronted my own vulnerabilities and learned to embrace the generosity of others. It was not only my first, modest, crowdfunding initiative (which I managed successfully), but a request that blossomed into a testament to the strength of the connections I have.
Through this journey, I've come to believe in the transformative impact of giving and receiving support. While no one is obligated to offer their resources, the act of extending a helping hand can foster a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. My friends who supported me in those early days didn't just invest in a camera—they invested in my dream, and for that, I will be forever grateful. (My skin is crawling with the amount of vulnerability in this post, please know that.)
It would be a huge lie for me to accept the praise I have received for managing to start a new business without taking a moment to properly acknowledge the VILLAGE of people that supported me through it. Our success is never really only our own. And while I have no idea where this is going, I am happy to be on this path. That in itself is a huge privilege. So, as I reflect on the challenges and triumphs of building a photography business, I am reminded of the importance of this type of transparency.
To those who may be embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey, I offer this advice: Have the courage to start, embrace the support of those around you, and remain honest in your journey. Success is not defined by the absence of challenges but by the resilience to overcome them.